The Best Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad – Easy, Quick, & Refreshing

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad, also known as Oi Muchim, is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that offers a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and umami. The crisp cucumbers are paired with a tangy, spicy dressing made from gochugaru, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, making it the ideal accompaniment to many Korean meals or even a refreshing addition to a summer spread. If you’re looking to elevate your meal with a dish that is both flavorful and easy to make, this spicy cucumber salad will be a hit at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

This Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that can be whipped up in minutes. Whether you’re preparing a Korean feast or just need a refreshing side, this dish is versatile and full of layers of flavor. The spicy heat from the gochugaru, the savory depth from the sesame oil, and the slight sweetness from the sugar create a balanced and addictive combination. It’s also perfect for meal prep and can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.

Ingredients for Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Crisp cucumbers, preferably Persian or English, provide the fresh crunch and a mild flavor that complements the spicy dressing.
• Gochugaru: This Korean red pepper flake adds the perfect amount of heat and smokiness to the salad.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil imparts a deep, nutty flavor that enriches the dressing.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce adds savory umami and a touch of saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the sesame oil.
• Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to mellow the flavors and brings a slight sweetness to the mix.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delicate crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Your Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

• Red Pepper Flakes: If you don’t have gochugaru, regular red pepper flakes can work as a substitute, though the flavor may not be as authentic.
• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: If you’re gluten-sensitive, try using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, a mild white vinegar can also serve as a substitute.
• Scallions: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add thinly sliced green onions or scallions to the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gochugaru, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until fully incorporated and the sugar dissolves.
2. Chop the Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers into ½-inch chunks. If using larger cucumbers, remove the seeds before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
3. Toss the Cucumbers: Add the chopped cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to ensure each cucumber piece is evenly coated in the spicy, aromatic dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If it needs more salt or heat, feel free to add more soy sauce or gochugaru.
5. Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes to marinate. This will help the flavors to meld together and intensify.
6. Serve: Serve the Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad as a refreshing side dish to your meal.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

• Avoid Salt at First: Don’t add salt until after you’ve tasted the salad. Adding salt too early can cause the cucumbers to release water, making the salad too watery.

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of gochugaru depending on your spice preference. For a milder salad, start with less and taste as you go.

• Storage: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to taste it again before serving, as the flavors will continue to develop and intensify.

• Use Fresh Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers with a thin peel work best for this salad. If your cucumbers are larger, peel them and remove the seeds to avoid a watery texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of Korean dishes such as kalbi ribs, chicken katsu, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice. It’s also a fantastic addition to summer barbecues, giving a refreshing contrast to grilled meats.

Variations to Try:

• Garlic: For a bolder flavor, add finely minced garlic to the dressing.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger can add a subtle zing and spice to the salad, making it even more aromatic.
• Sweet Onion: Try adding thinly sliced sweet onion for an added layer of flavor and sweetness.
• Cold Noodles: Serve this cucumber salad alongside cold buckwheat noodles or soba for a light and satisfying meal.

Health Benefits of Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making this salad a hydrating and low-calorie side dish. The addition of sesame oil provides heart-healthy fats, while gochugaru contains capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties. Combined with the other fresh ingredients, this salad is not only delicious but also offers some health benefits.

Enjoy this Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad as a quick, flavorful addition to your meal that everyone will love!

Conclusion

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a simple, yet delicious, way to add a refreshing crunch and bold flavors to any meal. With its perfect balance of heat, acidity, and umami, this side dish can complement everything from grilled meats to light rice bowls. Whether you’re hosting a Korean-themed dinner or simply looking for a healthy and tasty side, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad lies in its versatility, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your liking and experiment with different variations. It’s quick to prepare, easy to store, and packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy.

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